Matthew 8:16

KJV

When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with [his] word, and healed all that were sick:

KJV (with Strong's)

When {G1161} the even {G3798} was come {G1096}, they brought {G4374} unto him {G846} many {G4183} that were possessed with devils {G1139}: and {G2532} he cast out {G1544} the spirits {G4151} with his word {G3056}, and {G2532} healed {G2323} all {G3956} that were {G2192} sick {G2560}:

Complete Jewish Bible

When evening came, many people held in the power of demons were brought to him. He expelled the spirits with a word and healed all who were ill.

Berean Standard Bible

When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to Jesus, and He drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick.

American Standard Version

And when even was come, they brought unto him many possessed with demons: and he cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all that were sick:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 8:16 presents a vivid scene of Jesus' evening ministry in Capernaum, immediately following His healing of Peter's mother-in-law. As the Sabbath day concluded at sunset, a large multitude of people, many afflicted by demonic possession and various illnesses, were brought to Him. In a powerful demonstration of His divine authority and boundless compassion, Jesus effortlessly cast out the evil spirits with a mere command—His word—and completely healed every single person who was sick, showcasing His comprehensive power over both spiritual oppression and physical infirmity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 8:16 serves as a climactic summary statement within a series of miraculous healings and demonstrations of Jesus' authority. The chapter begins with Jesus' descent from the mountain after delivering the Sermon on the Mount, immediately followed by three distinct healing narratives: the cleansing of a leper ([Matthew 8:1-4](/matthew/8-1-4 "Matthew 8:1-4 - Jesus Cleanses a Leper")), the healing of the centurion's servant ([Matthew 8:5-13](/matthew/8-5-13 "Matthew 8:5-13 - Jesus Heals the Centurion's Servant")), and the healing of Peter's mother-in-law ([Matthew 8:14-15](/matthew/8-14-15 "Matthew 8:14-15 - Jesus Heals Peter's Mother-in-Law")). This verse consolidates multiple acts of healing and deliverance into a single powerful scene, emphasizing the widespread impact of Jesus' ministry. It directly precedes the evangelist's theological commentary in [Matthew 8:17](/matthew/8-17 "Matthew 8:17 - Fulfillment of Isaiah's Prophecy"), which explicitly connects Jesus' healing work to the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy regarding bearing our infirmities, thus providing a theological framework for the preceding miracles.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The phrase "When the even was come" (ὀψίας δὲ γενομένης, _opsias de genomenēs_) is highly significant, indicating the twilight hours after the conclusion of the Sabbath day. According to Jewish law, particularly the oral traditions of the Pharisees, various forms of work (melakha) were prohibited on the Sabbath, including healing, carrying burdens, and extensive travel. While Jesus often challenged the rigid interpretations of Sabbath laws by healing on the Sabbath (e.g., [Matthew 12:9-14](/matthew/12-9-14 "Matthew 12:9-14 - Jesus Heals on the Sabbath")), the people, out of reverence for the law or perhaps to avoid conflict, waited until sunset on Saturday, when the Sabbath officially ended, to bring their sick and demon-possessed to Him. This timing highlights their desperate need, their immense faith in Jesus' power, and their adherence to the cultural and religious norms of the day, even as they sought a divine intervention that transcended those norms.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully reinforces several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel and Jesus' ministry. Foremost is the theme of **Jesus' Divine Authority and Sovereignty**, demonstrated by His effortless command over both physical ailments and demonic forces. His ability to "cast out the spirits with [his] word" (as noted in [Matthew 8:16](/matthew/8-16 "Matthew 8:16 - Jesus' Authority Over Sickness and Demons")) underscores that His power is inherent, not derived, echoing the creative power of God's word in [Genesis 1:3](/genesis/1-3 "Genesis 1:3 - God Speaks Creation into Being"). This display of power is also inextricably linked to His **Boundless Compassion and Inclusivity**, as He "healed all that were sick" ([Matthew 8:16](/matthew/8-16 "Matthew 8:16 - Jesus' Authority Over Sickness and Demons")), demonstrating His willingness to minister to everyone in need, regardless of their condition. Furthermore, the emphasis on **Deliverance from Evil** through the expulsion of "devils" highlights the spiritual dimension of His ministry and the triumph of God's kingdom over the forces of darkness, a recurring motif throughout the Gospels (e.g., [Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Mark 1:27 - Authority Over Unclean Spirits")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **possessed with devils (Greek, _daimonízomai_):** This verb describes a state of being afflicted or controlled by a demon. It signifies a profound spiritual bondage, where an individual's will and body are subjected to an evil spirit. The presence of "devils" (demons) indicates a direct confrontation with the forces of evil, against which Jesus demonstrates supreme authority.
* **cast out (Greek, _ekbállō_):** This term literally means "to throw out," "to eject," or "to drive out." It conveys a forceful, decisive, and authoritative expulsion, not a gentle persuasion. Jesus' use of this word emphasizes His absolute power over the demonic realm, indicating that these spirits had no choice but to obey His command and depart.
* **word (Greek, _lógos_):** In this context, _logos_ refers to Jesus' spoken command, His authoritative utterance. It signifies that His power is inherent and expressed through His very speech, requiring no physical contact, ritual, or external aid. This highlights the divine nature of His authority, where His word carries the power of creation and sovereign command, bringing about immediate and complete results.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When the even was come":** This phrase precisely dates the event to the twilight hours following the conclusion of the Sabbath day. As Jewish law prohibited certain activities, including healing and carrying the sick, on the Sabbath, the crowds waited until sunset to bring their afflicted loved ones to Jesus, demonstrating both their desperate need and their respect for the religious customs of the time.
* **"they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils":** This highlights the widespread spiritual oppression prevalent in that era and the recognition by the people that Jesus possessed unique power over these malevolent entities. The sheer number of those brought underscores the immense suffering and the profound hope placed in Jesus as the deliverer from spiritual bondage.
* **"and he cast out the spirits with [his] word":** This is a pivotal declaration of Jesus' divine authority. He did not engage in elaborate rituals or prolonged struggles; His mere spoken command, His "word" (_logos_), was sufficient to forcefully expel the demonic spirits. This demonstrates His intrinsic power over the supernatural realm, showcasing His sovereignty over evil.
* **"and healed all that were sick":** This statement emphasizes the comprehensive and universal nature of Jesus' healing ministry. Not some, not most, but "all" who were sick were healed, regardless of the nature or severity of their illness. This underscores His boundless compassion and His complete power over every form of physical infirmity, leaving no one unaddressed among those to Him.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 8:16 employs several literary devices to powerfully convey its message. The use of **Hyperbole** or **Generalization** is evident in the phrases "many that were possessed with devils" and "healed all that were sick." While perhaps not literally every single person in Capernaum was brought to Him, these phrases emphasize the vast scope and completeness of Jesus' ministry, demonstrating His widespread impact and the comprehensive nature of His healing and deliverance. **Contrast** is effectively used to highlight Jesus' unique power: the overwhelming suffering and spiritual bondage of the people are set against the effortless and instantaneous authority of Jesus' word. The phrase "with his word" functions as a powerful **Emphasis**, underscoring that Jesus' power is inherent and divine, not reliant on external means or rituals. This concise statement of His authoritative command serves as a powerful testament to His identity, setting the stage for the explicit **Fulfillment Language** found in the subsequent verse, [Matthew 8:17](/matthew/8-17 "Matthew 8:17 - Fulfillment of Isaiah's Prophecy"), which interprets these actions as the realization of Isaiah's prophecy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 8:16 profoundly reveals Jesus' identity as the promised Messiah, demonstrating His comprehensive authority over all forms of human suffering—physical, spiritual, and even demonic. His ability to heal "all that were sick" and "cast out the spirits with [his] word" signifies the inauguration of God's kingdom, where the reign of sin, sickness, and Satan is being decisively overthrown. This passage underscores the holistic nature of salvation in Christ, which addresses not only the spiritual need for forgiveness but also the tangible realities of human brokenness. It portrays Jesus as the compassionate King who actively intervenes in the lives of His people, bringing restoration and liberation. The effortless nature of His miracles, particularly the power of His spoken word, points to His divine nature and inherent power, echoing the creative power of God in the Old Testament.

* [Mark 1:32-34](/mark/1-32-34 "Mark 1:32-34 - Jesus Heals Many at Evening")
* [Luke 4:40-41](/luke/4-40-41 "Luke 4:40-41 - Jesus Heals and Casts Out Demons")
* [Isaiah 53:4](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4 - The Suffering Servant Bears Our Infirmities")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 8:16 offers profound and enduring encouragement for believers in every generation. It serves as a powerful reminder that Jesus Christ remains the sovereign Lord over all sickness, spiritual oppression, and the forces of evil. Just as He met the desperate needs of the crowds in Capernaum with boundless compassion and undeniable power, His ability to heal and deliver remains undiminished today. This passage invites us to approach Him with unwavering faith, bringing our own physical ailments, emotional burdens, and spiritual struggles before Him, confident in His willingness and ability to intervene. It challenges us to trust not in human remedies alone, but in the inherent power of His word, which is living and active, capable of bringing about profound transformation and liberation in our lives and circumstances. Moreover, it calls us to embody His compassion, recognizing the suffering around us and pointing others to the only One who can offer true healing and deliverance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to experience Jesus' healing or deliverance today?**
* **How does Jesus' authority over sickness and demons strengthen your faith in His power over other challenges you face?**
* **What does it mean for you to trust in the "word" of Jesus for your own healing and liberation?**

### FAQ
**Why did the people wait until "the even was come" to bring the sick to Jesus?**

Answer: The phrase "When the even was come" (ὀψίας δὲ γενομένης) refers to the conclusion of the Sabbath day. According to Jewish law and tradition, particularly as interpreted by the Pharisees, various activities were prohibited on the Sabbath, including carrying burdens, engaging in strenuous work, and possibly even extensive healing, though Jesus often challenged these interpretations by healing on the Sabbath (e.g., [Matthew 12:9-14](/matthew/12-9-14 "Matthew 12:9-14 - Jesus Heals on the Sabbath")). Out of respect for these customs, or perhaps simply to avoid conflict, the people waited until after sunset on Saturday, when the Sabbath officially ended, to bring their sick and demon-possessed loved ones to Jesus, indicating their eagerness and desperation for His healing touch.

**What does "possessed with devils" imply about the nature of these afflictions?**

Answer: The term "possessed with devils" (δαιμονίζομαι, _daimonízomai_) indicates a state where an individual is under the direct influence or control of malevolent spiritual entities, or demons. This was distinct from mere physical illness, though it could manifest with physical symptoms (e.g., muteness, blindness, convulsions as seen in [Matthew 9:32-33](/matthew/9-32-33 "Matthew 9:32-33 - Jesus Heals a Mute Demoniac") or [Matthew 17:14-18](/matthew/17-14-18 "Matthew 17:14-18 - Jesus Heals a Demoniac Boy")). Jesus' ministry frequently involved casting out demons, demonstrating His authority over the kingdom of darkness and His mission to liberate humanity from spiritual bondage, signifying the inauguration of God's kingdom.

**How did Jesus "cast out the spirits with his word"?**

Answer: This phrase emphasizes the inherent and absolute authority of Jesus. Unlike exorcists who might employ elaborate rituals, incantations, or physical struggles, Jesus simply spoke. His "word" (λόγος, _logos_) carried divine power, instantly compelling the demons to depart. This demonstrates that His authority was intrinsic to His being as the Son of God, echoing the creative power of God's word in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account") where God spoke creation into existence. His command was sufficient, immediate, and irresistible to the forces of evil.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 8:16, while a historical account of Jesus' earthly ministry, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus as the incarnate Son of God who came to decisively conquer sin, sickness, and Satan. His effortless expulsion of demons "with his word" and the comprehensive healing of "all that were sick" are not merely isolated acts of compassion but powerful manifestations of His messianic identity and the dawn of God's kingdom. This scene foreshadows His ultimate victory over all powers of darkness on the cross, where He disarmed principalities and powers ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Furthermore, His bearing of our infirmities, explicitly linked to [Isaiah 53:4](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4 - The Suffering Servant Bears Our Infirmities") in the very next verse ([Matthew 8:17](/matthew/8-17 "Matthew 8:17 - Fulfillment of Isaiah's Prophecy")), points to His substitutionary atonement, where He took upon Himself the full weight of human brokenness, including the curse of sickness and the bondage of sin. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus secured not only spiritual salvation but also the promise of future bodily resurrection and complete restoration, making Him the ultimate Healer and Deliverer for all who believe in His name ([Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "The Spirit of Him Who Raised Jesus")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 15:26

And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I [am] the LORD that healeth thee.

Matthew 14:14

And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.

Luke 4:40

Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.

Mark 1:32

And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils.

Mark 1:34

And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.

Matthew 12:22

¶ Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw.

Acts 5:15

Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid [them] on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.